Novartis International AG / Novartis announces outcome of FDA advisory committee meeting for multiple myeloma investigational compound LBH589 . Processed and transmitted by NASDAQ OMX Corporate Solutions. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
- Committee votes against recommending LBH589 plus bortezomib and dexamethasone for patients with previously treated multiple myeloma
- LBH589 has the potential to be an important treatment option for multiple myeloma patients and Novartis will continue working with the FDA on a path forward
Basel, November 6, 2014 - Novartis announced today that the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee (ODAC) did not recommend the investigational compound LBH589 (panobinostat), a pan-deacetylase (pan-DAC) inhibitor, for patients with previously treated multiple myeloma when used in combination with bortezomib[*] and dexamethasone.
The Committee’s vote will be considered by the FDA in its review of the LBH589 new drug application (NDA), but the FDA is not bound to follow the Committee’s guidance. The final decision regarding US approval is made by the FDA.
“We are disappointed by this voting outcome and believe the results from our clinical trials provide strong evidence to support LBH589 as a potential first-in-class treatment option for multiple myeloma, a cancer where an unmet patient need exists,” said Bruno Strigini, President, Novartis Oncology. “We will continue to work with the FDA as it completes its review of the US application.”
Data presented at today’s meeting included two clinical studies evaluating LBH589 in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone for patients with relapsed or relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma: a Phase III randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter global registration trial called PANORAMA-1 (PANobinostat ORAl in Multiple MyelomA) and a Phase II US multicenter, single-arm, open-label study called PANORAMA-2[1].
About multiple myeloma and LBH589
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells, a kind of white blood cell present in bone marrow-the soft, blood-producing tissue that fills the center of most bones. The cancer is caused by the production and growth of abnormal cells within the plasma, which multiply and build up in the bone marrow, pushing out healthy cells and preventing them from functioning normally[2]. Multiple myeloma is an incurable disease with a high rate of relapse (when the cancer returns) and patients often become refractory (unresponsive to therapy), despite currently available treatments[3]. It typically occurs in individuals 60 years of age or older, with few cases in individuals younger than 40[4].
Epigenetics is the cell programming that governs gene expression and cell development[5]. In multiple myeloma, the normal epigenetic process is disrupted (also called epigenetic dysregulation) resulting in the growth of cancerous plasma cells, potential resistance to current treatment and ultimately disease progression[6],[7].
LBH589 is a potent pan-deacetylase (pan-DAC) inhibitor that if approved will be a first-in-class therapy for patients with previously treated multiple myeloma[8]. As an epigenetic regulator, LBH589 may help restore cell programming in multiple myeloma[9].
Because LBH589 is an investigational compound, the safety and efficacy profile has not yet been established. Access to this investigational compound is available only through carefully controlled and monitored clinical trials. These trials are designed to better understand the potential benefits and risks of the compound. Because of the uncertainty of clinical trials, there is no guarantee that LBH589 will ever be commercially available anywhere in the world.
Disclaimer
The foregoing release contains forward-looking statements that can be identified by words such as “votes against recommending,” “potential,” “will,” “did not recommend,” “investigational,” “may,” “yet,” or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing approvals for LBH589, or regarding potential future revenues from LBH589. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of management regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that LBH589 will be approved for sale in any market where it has been submitted, or at any particular time. Neither can there be any guarantee that LBH589 will be submitted or approved for sale in any additional markets, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that LBH589 will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, management’s expectations regarding LBH589 could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including unexpected clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; unexpected regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; the company’s ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; general economic and industry conditions; global trends toward health care cost containment, including ongoing pricing pressures; unexpected manufacturing issues, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG’s current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
About Novartis
Novartis provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, eye care, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, preventive vaccines, over-the-counter and animal health products. Novartis is the only global company with leading positions in these areas. In 2013, the Group achieved net sales of USD 57.9 billion, while R&D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 9.9 billion (USD 9.6 billion excluding impairment and amortization charges). Novartis Group companies employ approximately 133,000 full-time-equivalent associates and sell products in more than 150 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com.
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[1] Novartis LBH589 ODAC Briefing Book.
[2] American Cancer Society. Multiple Myeloma. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/003121-pdf.pdf. Accessed July 2014.
[3] The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Myeloma. Revised 2013;1:48.
[4] National Cancer Institute. SEER Stat Fact Sheets: Myeloma. Available at: http://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/mulmy.html. Accessed July 2014.
[5] Gronbaek K, Treppendahl M, Asmarand F, Guldberg P. Epigenetic Changes in Cancer as Potential Targets for Prophylaxis and Maintenance Therapy. Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology. 2008;103:389-396
[6] Smith EM, Boyd K, Davies FE. The Potential Role of Epigenetic Therapy in Multiple Myeloma. Br J Haematol. 2009;148:702-713.
[7] Muntean AG, Hess JL. Epigenetic Dysregulation in Cancer. Am J Pathol. 2009;175:1353-1361.
[8] San-Miguel J, et al. Randomized Phase III Trial of Panobinostat Plus Bortezomib and Dexamethasone Versus Placebo Plus Bortezomib and Dexamethasone in Relapsed or Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma. The Lancet Oncology. 2014.
[9] Maes K, et al. Epigenetic Modulating Agents as a New Therapeutic Approach in Multiple Myeloma. Cancers. 2013;5:430-461
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[*]Trade name Velcade(R) registered to Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
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Source: Novartis International AG via Globenewswire
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